Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:19, 51

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:19, 51
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

I pondered on the importance of pondering. Mary was capable of this and twice in this chapter it mentions her pondering things in her heart. Keeping them "in her heart" means she held them close to her. They were sacred experiences. She must have not gone into great details on her experiences with others. Otherwise, I imagine more would have been recorded on these events.

"Luke recorded that after the shepherds’ visit and after finding the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, Mary pondered the events and sayings, and she kept them “in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51). Her actions demonstrate the importance of treasuring sacred experiences. While it is vital that we share our testimonies with others, President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that we should ponder our sacred experiences and share them only when we are prompted to do so:
“It is not wise to continually talk of unusual spiritual experiences. They are to be guarded with care and shared only when the Spirit itself prompts you to use them to the blessing of others. …
“I heard President Marion G. Romney once counsel mission presidents and their wives … , ‘I found out that if I talked too lightly of sacred things, thereafter the Lord would not trust" me.’
“We are, I believe, to keep these things and ponder them in our hearts, as Luke said Mary did of the supernal events that surrounded the birth of Jesus” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 15: Luke 1-3")

Day 4099

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:12
"Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things."

This made me ponder on how just because someone is of the same faith as me doesn't mean I should share things with them. I have had several experiences in my life after sharing sacred experiences that those that should have understood turn on me. They did not see the sacred experience instead they sought to condemned me for having one. Now I am extremely guarded and protective to not open sacred things or experiences to being mocked or condemned.

"But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter."
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:37)

Day 3595

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4
"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."

Though Moroni's writing had a much greater purpose than mine, I thought of my personal and scripture journals. How what I write may some day be of worth to my posterity or family relations. How I would love to read the journals of my ancestors. Even more so to hear of their conversion to the gospel and their faith promoting spiritual experiences.

Day 3579

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

I feel like "study to be quiet" is the season of my life right now. I'm getting much better at being quiet. First, I had to learn the hard way that sharing spiritual experiences can open them up to being attacked, or stifled, even by those you trusted. It can also cause you to not follow the promptings received. Because of this you may lose out on once in a lifetime opportunities, that can never be called back.

"I unreservedly testify of and attest to the reality of God and the miracles in the everyday life of countless people from both the low and high stations of life. True, many sacred experiences are rarely spoken of, in part because of their divine origin and the resulting possibility of ridicule by some who do not know better."
(Christoffel Golden, "Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ," October 2021 General Conference)

Joseph Smith: “Let us be faithful and silent, brethren, and if God gives you a manifestation, keep it to yourselves” (History of the Church, 2:309).

Brigham Young: “Should you receive a vision or revelation from the Almighty, one that the Lord gave you concerning yourselves, or this people, but which you are not to reveal on account of your not being the proper person, or because it ought not to be known by the people at present, you should shut it up and seal it . . . as secret as the grave. The Lord has no confidence in those who reveal secrets, for he cannot safely reveal himself to such persons” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 43-44).

Boyd K. Packer: “I have learned that strong, impressive spiritual experiences do not come to us very frequently. And when they do, they are generally for our own edification, instruction, or correction. . . . I have come to believe also that it is not wise to continually talk of unusual spiritual experiences. . . . I heard President Marion G. Romney once counsel mission presidents and their wives . . . I do not tell all I know; . . . for I found out that if I talked too lightly of sacred things, thereafter the Lord would not trust me. We are, I believe, to keep these things and ponder them in our hearts, as Luke said Mary did of the supernal events that surrounded the birth of Jesus.” (Boyd K. Packer, "The Candle of the Lord", Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53)

Day 3274

Today's Favorite Verse: John 11:15, 35

Today's Favorite Verse: John 11:15, 35

"And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Jesus wept."

Even though Jesus waited two days before leaving to visit Lazarus who was ill, it was so the glory of God could be shown. He still wept and mourn with those that mourn, even though he knew he would soon raise Lazarus from the dead. This story is such a beautiful example of having faith in God's timing, that all things are for our good. Bad things can happen and God will have them work for our good.

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

(Doctrine and Covenants 122:7)

The greatest of purposes it to strength our faith in God. From witnessing Lazarus being raised from the dead, the apostles should have learned the power Jesus held to do so for himself.

Day 3167

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 1:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 1:17

"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

The words "to become" stood out to me. When Jesus called Simon and Andrew they were not already fishers of men. They had no experience in the work they were called to. But, Jesus saw their potential. They were simply told to "come after me", that is to follow Jesus. They would learn from observing and following Him. What a master class they would receive walking with the Savior. There were times they fell short, but what I have learned from their experiences. I pondered on how much harder this walk with Christ would be, if all he chose from the beginning were perfect men. There is hope for me.

Day 3117

Today's Favorite Verse: Habakkuk 3:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Habakkuk 3:17-18

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

I selected this verse because it is so odd I read this today. I had a phone call this afternoon from someone that I haven't spoken to in a while. They told me that they needed the rain that maybe coming. They have not had rain all summer. It has been so dry that the trees had buds that never opened. There never were blossoms. It made me wonder what kind of crops would be harvested this year with those conditions. Such a small simple conversation, then I read these verses. What are the odds of that timing? It always make me think about how God knows what I will read today, so he gives me a little experience to make it more meaningful and thought provoking. I do rejoice that He is in the details.

Day 3065

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 10:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 10:7-8

"And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. 

But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him."

Ignoring the wisdom of the old men divided the kingdom between the north and the south. Between Israel and Judah. This was caused by the pressure Rehoboam put upon the people. This is not only much to learn from the scriptures, but from people that have learned wisdom from their life experiences. Each generation has to learn the same lessons over again. This is why history repeats itself. It does not matter when we have our mortal probation here on earth. We all have the same opportunities to learn from similar mistakes and events.

Day 2536

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

The part of passing through tribulation stood out to me tonight because of a quote by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf today.

"In the coming days, weeks and months - as stretching and hard as they may become - I invite you to trust God's love and the Spirit. They will enable you to be an angel of light to those around your."

Which also reminded me of President Russell M. Nelson's August Facebook post which said “the road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure. So, fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right.”

We discussed these during family scripture study tonight and I am of the mind I do not know what is coming. I cannot guess because I have found I am never right. It is always something I never expected. Yet, when I am listening to the counsel of the Lord through his prophet I am protected and can weather what comes. I know what comes only makes me stronger. This quote from verse 7 of this chapter is fitting to leave with.

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Day 2125

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4
"But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken."

I pondered on all the great spiritual writings that occurred because someone was concealed or in bondage at the time. One of the greatest would have to be the Book of Revelations while John the beloved was banished to the isles of Patmos. Then there is Paul's writing while a prisoner in Caesarea. Ether, Mormon and Moroni all wrote while in hiding. Joseph Smith had to seek refuge while translating the Book of Mormon and was in prison when revelations were received. Some of the revelations received while in Liberty Jail are among my most treasured verses.

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murders, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
(Doctrine and Covenants 122:7)

I pondered on how touched I have been on reading the story of Abinadi as recorded by Alma. What an effect all the spiritual writings and revelations have been by these prophets. Now I wonder what will come from the writings in my day? Alma didn't know he was going to be a prophet when he recorded the words of Abinadi. It made me think how important it is to record our spiritual experiences and events as we are going through them. How someday these words may strengthen our posterity in knowing we saw the hand of the Lord in our lives. If He can strengthen someone like me, then surely He will strengthen them.


Day 1846

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 19:23

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 19:23
"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

I love this example of how I am to read the scriptures. I take the stories and examples and apply them to my life. So much depth of understanding comes when I do this. The other way I apply this is when I am going through an experience the stories in the scriptures will come to mind. I gain a greater understanding in the purpose and meaning in what I am experiencing when I look at it from that perspective. The scriptures really are for my profit and learning. What a blessing they have been to my life.

Day 1782

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 10:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 10:19
"Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it."

I always marvel how when I read the scriptures there is something there for me that day. It's like my life experiences build up to what I will read. Though I think that seriously is why things are often repeated in the scriptures. This verse actually made me smile. For today my father has died, and our family reverently mourns his passing. Once again my experience fits what I read in the scriptures. The Lord always prepares the way. What tender mercies the scriptures are to me.

(Pauline & Philip Harris)

Day 1330

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."

This made me ponder on all that I have learned through sorrow, pain and disappointment. How the loss of loved ones has reminded me of God's eternal plan. If I was to trade all these experiences for a lifetime of feasting and merriment I would not do it. For I have learned lessons that I cherish that would have never come without them. I would not change a thing. Those that only seek feasting and laughter here will sorrow for the eternities to come. I see the wisdom in learning to walk in faith in this life to seek a better life in the world to come.

Day 1241

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:22
"Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"

I am thinking work refers to calling or where I am to serve in the Lord's vineyard. I should take joy in it, and not wish for someone else's calling. When my assignment is done I am not to still hold onto it, and judge others that follow. I have experienced seeing all my supposed great efforts go to not after being released. It has taken years to realize there is purpose in all things. The way that calling is assigned is what both the person and the people need at that time. People are not following me, they are to follow the will of the Lord. If someone fails short in their calling then so be it. There is purpose in that experience for all of us. It is for our learning and growth.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:"
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Day 1237

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 12:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 12:3
"But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?"

I am the sum of all my experiences, be them good or bad. With that comes an understanding uniquely mine. Someday, somewhere my experience will help another. There is a purpose in all things. Even my sins have purpose. Without them I would not come to know my Savior. How can I ever call them a mistake. To be tried and tested is part of my being here on earth. It is the end sum of my experiences and how I grew from that matters. At the end of my days my Lord cares about the direction of my face. Am I come towards him or away.

Day 1023

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 15:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 15:2
"And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you."

I know from my own experience that these words are true.


Day 957

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 27:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 27:1, 4
"And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him."

I read this chapter several times over. I cannot tell if the spirit led David or not.  All I can tell is that escaping to the land of the Philistines more than likely preserved his life. All I could think of is Doctrine & Covenants 122:7-8

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wade after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."


Day 838

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:21

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:21
"Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good."

Such an interesting "coincident" for me to read this story tonight after just having a very similar experience happen to me minutes before reading this. I had helped someone in need for a very long time, and I thought our relationship one I could ask a favor. Especially now that they were in a good place. Sadly, I saw a side of them I didn't realize existed. I could not believe the words that came from their mouth. I begged their pardon for asking and said it was fine, it was totally their decision.

I would be lying if I said it was not somewhat grieved a little inside. I had the thought "Why is it ok to have me help and support them, but not ok to ask for support in return?"  I asked myself if I would have invested so much time and effort in helping them in their want, if I knew how they would feel in my small need? No, I did what I needed to do because I loved them and they needed me. I would do it all again, and will probably have the same opportunities in the future. My behavior would not change either way.

Seeing that I had other resources I don't know why I felt to ask them. It just felt like the right thing to do. When I needed help I just thought of them. Maybe from this experience they needed to learn something about themselves. More than likely I needed to learn more about me. After-all there are no coincidences.

As I sat reflecting on all this I realized it was a good experience for me to go through. I could see growth in myself in how I react. Years ago I would have fumed and been angry and never wanted to help them ever again. I would have held a grudge for a very long time. I have none of that now inside of me. Yes, I had a moment of pain, honestly I cannot expect anyone to do things for me when they don't want to. I have no idea what may be going on in their life right now. I might think them in a good place, but obviously they are not. I am so grateful to the Lord that I have other resources to turn to.


Day 836

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:3, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:3, 23

"And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."

As I was pondered on how things under Joseph's hand prospered, they were never his own things. He was still a slave or held a prisoner by his masters. The blessings that came to Joseph still went to others. I thought about how the Lord can still bless the righteous and make their burdens light even while in bondage. For by blessing Joseph's masters I am sure the burden on Joseph was made lighter. The ultimate master he served was the Lord.

To work so hard for the benefit of another I would think it means you do not care who gets the credit. Joseph must have been an extremely humble and teachable man. As Joseph waited on the Lord's timing, he appears to have learned all that he could wherever he was planted.  He was learning how to manage things. This period of time and the experience he gained from it, would not only benefit himself, but would be lifesaving to countless others.

I thought about Doctrine & Covenants 122:7

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. 

The experience I gain during any trial in my life is worth more than any gold I could ever be handed. Experience is what I need to further serve the Lord when the time comes. The experience I gain will work out for my good in the end. Joseph wasn't serving for nothing, he was receiving experience for greater things. 

Day 614

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 122:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:8

"The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"

This chapter is the Lord still speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail. He gave him a rather terrifying list of things that could happen to him. Then tells him "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"

I just had to sit and ponder on what that meant. Is it saying do you think you are so good that these things can't hurt you? Do you think your better than Christ and will escape them?  What does that mean? That I have to suffer too?  Then I saw that the Son of Man descended below them all. He submitted to the Father's will. Joseph also had to submit to the Father's will. That none of us are exempt. Even our Savior Jesus Christ perfect, without sin. 

Later the Lord tells him "Fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." To me that would be the comfort part. Whatever you go through in doing the Father's will, he will be with you. You are never alone through all of this. With God all things are possible. With God by our side the experiences we go through, our trials, is something that will last through the eternities. 

Day 541